In collaboration with the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network and DONATAPA, we invite you to join us on a transformative journey to Learn, Serve & Immerse in Costa Rica, contributing to both conservation efforts and accessibility for disabled visitors. On this incredible adventure, you will connect with several of our local NGO partners, gaining insight into the conservation practices that make Costa Rica a global leader in ecotourism. Along the way, you'll experience thrilling activities in rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife reserves, and beaches.
In addition to exploring Costa Rica’s natural wonders, you’ll also engage in meaningful community service projects. Learn first-hand how recycled plastics are collected, sorted, and processed into plastic wood used for accessible beach walkways, making a direct impact on accessibility and environmental sustainability.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS are below, click on ITINERARY to see all the details.
At Global Family Travels we believe that the most powerful way to learn is through firsthand experience. We let the country and its people be your teachers and supplement your experiences with reading lists, informal discussions, and a pre-trip orientation which includes information on the culture and history of your host country, helpful words and phrases, and cultural “do’s and don’ts”.
Learning themes unique to this tour include:
Discover how Costa Rica’s conservation efforts have helped restore nature while promoting accessibility through our partners, DONATAPA and the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network. Their initiatives have created accessible opportunities for both domestic and international visitors with temporary or permanent disabilities, enabling everyone to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Community Engagement / Service Opportunities include:
Plastic Recycling for Accessible Tourism: Contribute to the transformation of plastics into durable, eco-friendly materials that are used to create accessible infrastructure, such as beach walkways, in collaboration with DONATAPA.
Art for Conservation: Engage in projects where art meets environmental stewardship, such as creating murals that highlight conservation themes or participating in workshops that use recycled materials for art projects.
Support Local Artisans: Help sustain the traditional arts by participating in artisan workshops in Sarchi, where your involvement supports the continuation of cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.
This tour emphasizes authentic cultural experiences to give you a true taste of Costa Rica. Guests will engage with Costan Rican conservationists, and families in various communities. You will also interact directly with the locals, learning about their traditions, and sharing your world and theirs.
Immersive experiences include:
Artisan Interactions in Sarchi: Engage with artisans in Sarchi, where you’ll learn about the traditional techniques of painting and crafting, and experience the pride of creating your own art piece.
Cultural Exchange Through Music and Dance: Experience the vibrant rhythms of Costa Rica during hip-hop gatherings and music performances, connecting with locals and sharing in the joy of creative expression.
Natural Immersion: Explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscapes, from the hanging bridges of Arenal to the beaches of Manuel Antonio, where the beauty of the environment serves as both inspiration and canvas for artistic expression.
Street Art Tours and Workshops: Delve into the creative world of Costa Rican Street art with guided tours and hands-on workshops that allow you to create your own artistic expressions alongside local artists.
We’ve designed this accessible trip to Costa Rica with one goal in mind: ensuring every traveler, especially those using wheelchairs, can fully enjoy the experience. Our transport includes a van with an electric lift and secure wheelchair anchors, with storage for mobility aids and easy transfer to standard seating. We’ve handpicked hotels with adapted rooms and selected tours for their wheelchair-friendly environments, ready to make individual adjustments as needed. All dining locations are accessible, and we’ll work with you to accommodate any dietary needs. Our aim is to provide an inclusive journey that lets you explore Costa Rica’s beauty and culture without barriers.
We are honored to have King Khazm join us on this adventure to Costa Rica! Khazm is a multifaceted artist, educator and community organizer who has become a prominent figure in the Hip-Hop community within Seattle and around the world. His work to engage and empower communities is demonstrated through over 25 years of music, art and community service.
Khazm serves as a board member of paralysis support organization The Here & Now Project, a Seattle Disability Commissioner, board member of King County arts funding agency 4Culture, manager of the historic venue Washington Hall and executive director of Hip Hop community organization 206 Zulu.
DONATAPA was founded by our Costa Rican partner in March 2018, and is a project of the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network. The organization works to create accessible model beaches through the recycling of plastic 2, 4 and 5, which are collected, recycled and processed to make plastic wood. This plastic wood is used to manufacture innovative products such as retractable walkways, amphibian chairs, beach chairs, garbage cans, among others, reducing the negative impact of plastic on the environment.
Through this social and environmental project, DONATAPA promotes social equality, human rights, and safeguards natural environment. The organization also helps protect natural heritage, avoid waste production, and provides local and foreigner tourists with honest information, contribute to sustainable development and community well-being.
Visit these Facebook pages to learn more:
Jaco is a vibrant beach town located on the Pacific Coast, known for its beautiful coastline, bustling nightlife, and array of outdoor activities. Just an hour and a half from San José, it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking surf, sun, and adventure. Jaco offers something for everyone—whether it's surfing its renowned waves, hiking through lush rainforests, exploring nearby national parks, or enjoying the laid-back beach culture. The town is also close to Carara National Park, where visitors can see diverse wildlife and scenic trails.
In terms of accessibility, Jaco has made strides to be more inclusive for travelers with mobility issues. Some of the town’s main hotels, restaurants, and beach access points have ramps and accommodations for wheelchair users. The town center is fairly flat and easy to navigate, with wider sidewalks in certain areas.
Jaco Beach, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, is a lively and popular destination known for its long stretch of sandy shoreline and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long, making it ideal for beachgoers looking to sunbathe, swim, or enjoy a variety of water sports. The strong surf makes it especially popular with surfers, ranging from beginners to seasoned professionals, with surf schools readily available along the shore.
Jaco Beach is also a favorite spot for those who want to take in Costa Rica’s famous sunsets, with plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars offering a front-row seat to the show. The town of Jaco, just behind the beach, provides a mix of local culture, dining, and shopping, making it a vibrant spot to explore both day and night.
For visitors with mobility challenges, Jaco Beach has certain areas with accessibility features, such as ramps for wheelchair users. While not all parts of the beach are fully accessible, some accommodations and beachfront locations have made efforts to provide easier access to their amenities, ensuring that more visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Jaco Beach.
Sarchí is Costa Rica's most renowned center for traditional crafts, boasting over 200 stores and family-operated woodworking factories. The town is famous for producing a wide variety of handcrafted goods, including wooden bowls, fold-up rocking chairs made from wood and leather, and other artisanal items. The most iconic products are the elaborately painted oxcarts, or "carretas," which were historically used to transport coffee from the highlands to the Pacific coast. These oxcarts are a symbol of Costa Rican culture and craftsmanship.
CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE & TOMOROW’S AIR
Carbon Removal: According to the State of Global Carbon Dioxide Removal Report by University of Oxford, natural methods of removing carbon from the atmosphere are not enough by themselves due to the amount of pollution currently in the atmosphere. Innovations in removing and permanently storing carbon emissions are needed to conserve nature and reverse the course toward further climate change.
Tomorrow’s Air: Global Family Travels is passionate about encouraging tourism that is not only sustainable but regenerative. To help with our mission, we seek to partner with like-minded brands such as Tomorrow’s Air, which operates within the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Tomorrow’s Air is a collective of carbon removal innovators that work to permanently remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. Travel is a large contributor to global emissions, and we feel it is important to educate and empower travelers to support efforts that combat climate change! Please read our blog should you be interested in learning more : Climate Change and Travel to Support Tomorrow’s Air.
To learn more about Global Family Travels’ work in sustainability, click here.
We recommend making a $25 donation to Tomorrow’s Air, which you can do when you make your final payment.
Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs. In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.
Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip! Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels
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